THE FESTIVAL IS HERE
SIX GROUP 1 races backed up with a GROUP 2 RACE and an array of FRENCH TROTTERS along with the aspiring up and coming horse TREGARON is here LETS GET THE PARTY STARTED.
We have a bumper 30 races to get through in TWO days of classic racing- the Irish are back, the Scots have come to "toon", the English have sneaked across the border but the Welsh will be here to repel all boarders and try to keep the £60,000 prize money on offer at home.
Saturday sees a cracking 15 race card so here we go with trying to find the winners.
Race 1. We kick off with a trot, 4 y olds (they all commence with the letter E) Eliothrope and Éclair du Torp should fight this one out but the internationally owned Emirat Du Levant would be a popular winner with our race caller!
Race 2.The chase for the Strata Florida handicap(Gp2) is on , this heat could be between the two Coalford horses Insignia and Lachance unless Wye Joels Best hits top form and Jacks Red who hasn't run for two years could spring a surprise.
Race3. The Murphy stable from Skibereen Co.Cork are double handed in this one Donal has chosen to drive Rebel Rouser therefore would be the choice but Born to Run in the hands of James Haythornthwaite might just sneak this one for England.
Race4. Father Ted has drawn one and is in form, however if he wins we may have to endure Marc Jones running round the track in his undies, therefore the Scottish invader Soul Searcher – unbeaten thus far might save all our blushes.
Race 5. Rocker is three handed in this heat and whichever he chooses to drive will be a hint however his other two runners will be a danger along with Irish raider Panam Colt for the Kelleher clan.
Race 6. On paper this looks a two horse race the 3 y old Teddy Camden( a recent big money purchase)should back up his easy Boughrood win in the hands of David Bevan but Michael Lord and Greenhill Debatable the ultra consistent filly will be looking for weaknesses.
Race 7. The first of the Maiden races and there is no obvious standout performer here but surely Two for Tea in the care of Mark Pritchard is due a visit to the winners enclosure and where better than Tregaron.
Race 8. The first Novice contest sees Jack Sparrow the Foody stable runner take on Nancy Camden for honours here unless the aptly named Irish raider Riverdance Hanover can spoil their fun.
Race 9. The Nicholsons have imported top American driver Gareth Wyn Dowse (he was bred in Wales) to drive Tenor D'Ouville in the next trot and should be too strong for Thunder Jiel who is driven by the doyen of trot pilots Ian Pimlott.
Race10. Once more we have two Irish imports who will be looking to take the honours Triplicity(bred in Wales) and A Kind Of Magic may be the pick with Georgie Camden for the Teeboon team looking for a place.
Race 11.This is a maiden/novice combined race and I take the more experienced Lyons Bullett and Zip Car 1 to fight out the finish with possibly Western Ocean heading up the maiden ranks.
Race12. Greenhill Gus an import from wales and Border Counties Racing and a winner in Boughrood last Sunday will be looking for a quick double in the hands of local postie Alan Jones- Isabella Camden might be his problem.
Race13. The best of the older trotters running for the Glenda Jackson Trophy therefore the heart would dictate a winner for Emyr Edwards ,who presented the trophy in honour of his great mare, in the form of Vincita however Amazing,Bora Bora De Seg and the joker in the pack Belkolinja will be strong competition.
Race 14. We have kept the best to last or nearly this Free for All could actually see a WORLD RECORD set. It is a small but select field Rockin Mambo has had a tremendous season so far and will be in the frame, Porterstown Chris on his day is magnificent but if a WORLD RECORD is to be set it will surely be Evenwood Son Of A Gun already a world record holder under saddle and a previous winner of this race and the Welsh Classic on this very track. Wowwwwwwwwwwww.
by Huw Evans